South Cotabato bishop: Pacquiao will have problem in winning Congress seat

MANILA, Philippines – Apart from the lack of credibility, the Catholic bishop of Marbel, South Cotabato Tuesday said that the people’s boxing champion Manny Pacquiao would have more difficulty in winning a Congressional seat in Sarangani because of the “gambler” friends that he keeps.

In an interview over the Church-run Radio Veritas, Marbel, Dinualdo Gutierrez said that Pacquiao’s popularity and excellence in the sport of boxing would not be enough to make him become a member of the House of Representatives.

Sarangani province is under the Diocese of Marbel, South Cotabato. Marbel is the former name of Koronadal.

“In our diocese, we follow three “Cs” credibility, commitment, and competence. During the last election he (Pacquiao) still had credibility and he was committed to the Filipino people, especially the poor but he had no competence and that is why he lost,” Gutierrez said.

The country is again abuzz with news of Pacquiao’s interest to enter politics. But unlike in the 2007 elections, when he ran and lost as House Representative of the first district of South Cotabato and General Santos City, he is now reportedly interested in representing Sarangani province.  

“Now his credibility is being questioned, especially with his (Pacquiao’s) friends who are gamblers and the way he is getting lands here. We have to look deeper into that.” The Marbel prelate added that even if the boxing icon has a doctorate degree, he would still not be competent for the government position that he aspires.

The Church official believed that Pacquiao is a good man and that he was only influenced by the people around him to join politics.

“What will he say in Congress? If he wants to help his constituents, there are many ways to help.” He suggested that Pacquiao should just put up foundations for health care, jobs or set up scholarships, credible and competent people could be hired to supervise the foundations.

Gutierrez added, “Imagine that he was appointed as an Ambassador of Peace and Goodwill but look now, he does not bring peace anymore. I think he should just stick to boxing.”